Posted By Benjamin Hochman On January 28, 2014 @ 3:21 pm In General Broncos | No Comments

NEWARK, N.J. — One of the Broncos’ biggest fans is actually a Bronco.

“It’s freaking cool,” said super fan Joel Dreessen, who played high school ball at Fort Morgan, college ball at Colorado State and now is a Denver tight end, speaking at Super Bowl media day. “In high school in 1997 and 1998, it was so awesome, rooting for those Super Bowl teams. It was a memorable part of sophomore and junior years. For me to maybe help them do that again? It’s a dream come true.”

I asked him if he remembered the first time he met John Elway.

“I do actually,” Dreessen said. “In college, he was good friends with Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick. He was in the locker room at a game in Air Force, and I shook his hand and told him I was a huge fan. I remember it very specifically. And now he’s my boss.

“Ed McCaffrey was also certainly one of my favorites. Shannon Sharpe because he played tight end and played it so well. Rod Smith, Terrell Davis – how hard he ran, how hard he hit the hole was really inspiring. And of course, John Elway. Everyone remembers him sacrificing his body in that first Super Bowl win. And those are the kind of plays that it’s going to take to win this ball game. Those are things to think about.”

Dreessen said 11 family members will attend Sunday’s Super Bowl. Asked about soaking in the moments, he explained, “I have taken a few moments to reflect and appreciate it. It’s not always like this. I’ve been in this deal nine years and haven’t really come close.”